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KLRU is proud to support SXSW Edu Conference & Festival, taking place March 5 to 8 at the Austin Convention Center. This year’s opening keynote features storytelling phenomenon and renowned podcast, The Moth, with a dynamic storytelling showcase featuring educators and their teaching journeys – inside and outside the classroom.

PBS will also be in attendance with the PBS Teachers’ Lounge all days of the festival from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Room 13AB. There you’ll be able to fuel-up with fresh-brewed coffee. Connect with peers and explore ways PBS can support your heroic work in the classroom.

KLRU and PBS serve teachers by providing quality resources to amplify and extend instruction. KLRU serves the Central Texas community providing teachers with free, trustworthy, standards-aligned resources that can engage learners in class, at home, and on the go. To learn more go to klru.org/education.

Our Q Night at the Movies feature film for Feb. 24th is Picnic! Here is the complete lineup:

7 pm Science Goes To The Movies – The Drama Of Space Travel
Science Goes to the Movies is a new monthly series, co-hosted by Faith Salie and Dr. Heather Berlin, that looks at the science in contemporary motion pictures. Guests are drawn from different scientific disciplines, illuminating scientific truths or imaginings in films like Interstellar, Birdman, The Theory of Everything, Into the Woods, and more.

7:30 pm On Story – John Patrick Shanley: Writing For The Stage And Screen

8 pm Picnic
A handsome drifter (William Holden) provokes explosive emotions in citizens (Kim Novak, Rosalind Russell) of a small Kansas town at a Labor Day festival. Based on William Inge’s play.

9:55 pm Hollywood Idols – William Holden: The Golden Boy
Academy Award winner William Holden was handsome, charming and unconventional, and never lost his power to enchant an audience. Included are scenes from: Golden Boys, The Country Girl, Sunset Boulevard, Stalag 17, Sabrina, The Bridge on the River Kwai, The World of Suzie Wong, and Network. Interviewees include actors Robert Wagner, Robert Mitchum, Cliff Robertson, Stefanie Powers, Glenn Ford, Nancy Olson and Susan Strasberg; and directors, Sydney Lumet, Blake Edwards and Robert Wise.

KLRU and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area joined forces to offer a fun 4-day Ruff Ruffman Sensational Science Camp for 10 kids ages 5-8 at Meadowbrook Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) club. The children learned about science through hands-on projects, digital games, and videos that revolve around one of our favorite PBS KIDS characters, Ruff Ruffman. The kids learned to think like scientists as they engaged in the engineering design process which focuses on identifying real-world problems and designing solutions.

It’s great to be able to listen to the children’s perspective on their camp experience. Brittany Gant, the Boys & Girls Clubs STEM Coordinator, came up with the idea of having the kids vlog. She wanted them to be comfortable when talking about what they learned. Brittany explains that she “allowed club members to be in their element, technology based social media, and integrate it with what they were learning at the Ruff Ruffman camp so that they could connect it to their lives in a meaningful way.”

We asked three 8 year old girls about their science camp experience. Meet Karlee, Ferrah, and Brooklyn! Watch the video above to hear them talking about the camp!

Both Ferrah and Brooklyn mentioned that the camp reinforced their strong work ethic and helped them learn the value of persistence, two important life skills that will serve them into adulthood. Ferrah later shared with KLRU that she learned to plan before creating something new. Karlee valued the opportunity to work in small groups to collaborate and problem-solve as a team.

In a moment of self-awareness, Ferrah acknowledged her inquisitive nature and her ability to use her imagination to be innovative. Brooklyn revealed her aptitude for resolving investigations.

The camp revolves around the PBS KIDS character, Ruff Ruffman, and as Ferrah excitedly shared, “he is a great scientist!” Brooklyn points out that he is very knowledgeable. It’s wonderful that these kids now have a role model. Perhaps they will be inspired to follow in his footsteps and become scientists themselves!

As the KLRU Project Director for Ready to Learn, I was present at the camp and was particularly impressed by Ferrah. I asked Lauren Jarvis, the Club Director, to tell me more about her. Lauren shared that Ferrah “really likes doing new things” and “likes everything science and technology.” Even though she is only 8 years old, Ferrah participates in Google’s CS First, a computer science program designed for 9 to 14 year old children. Lauren has observed that she completes the lessons and understands the material and the processes being used. Ferrah also participates in Hour of Code alongside her friends, Karlee and Brooklyn. Ferrah is also very creative and artistic. Lauren thinks that “she is very special and has a bright future ahead of her.” Here at KLRU, we couldn’t agree more! It is our hope to continue to support children like Ferrah to be successful in school and life.

The Ruff Ruffman Sensational Science Camp is part of the Ready to Learn (RTL) initiative funded by the Department of Education and administered by the Corporation of Public Broadcasting and PBS. Our Community Collaborative for Early Learning and Media (CC-ELM) project brings RTL science and literacy content to children ages 2 to 8 from low-income households. KLRU partners with local community organizations to host camps and workshops at their sites. Our partners are Thinkery, Communities In Schools of Central Texas, and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area.

Please visit the PBS Learning Media Ready to Learn portal to learn more about this initiative and to access resources for families and educators.

Independent Lens at 8 pm Monday features Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities, a documentary and interactive project that explores the pivotal role historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have played in American history, culture, and national identity.

Join Ann Curry for the dramatic reunions of people who lost touch after the civil rights movement on We’ll Meet AgainTuesday at 7 pm.

Examine the dangerous rivalry that has plunged the Middle East into sectarian war on FrontlineBitter Rivals: Iran And Saudi Arabia, Part 1 at 8 pm Tuesday.

Meet Sudan, the last male of his kind, the northern white rhino, living in a Kenyan sanctuary under 24-hour armed guard on Nature The Last Rhino at 7 pm Wednesday.

Evidence discovered in the world’s highest tombs reveals ancient rituals and beliefs on Nova Secrets of the Sky Tombs at 8 pm Wednesday.

Follow the build to make living beneath the waves into a reality as a team in Dubai attempts to construct a floating house on Impossible Buildsat 9 pm Wednesday.

Enjoy an hour of contemporary country music with Chris Stapleton followed by Turnpike Troubadours on Austin City Limits at 10 pm Wednesday and 10:30 pm Friday.

Overheard with Evan Smith at 7 pm Thursday features Lyle Lovett.

New series! SciTech Now captures the latest breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation. The show airs Thursdays at 7:30 pm.

Chet visits the “Tomato Capital of the World” in Jacksonville on The Daytripper at 8:30 pm Thursday.

In the current moment, when sexual harassment is at the forefront of the national conversation, Metoo, Now What? at 7:30 pm Friday aims to take the discussion to another level, engaging both women and men from all generations and walks of life in dialogue about these difficult issues.

Watch as Helen Mirren receives the 2017 Movies for Grownups Career Achievement Award on Great Performances at 8 pm Friday.

Style up indoors with plant panache and tour a small lot makeover that brought design up to date on Central Texas Gardener at noon Saturday.

Hi neighbor, won’t you be a sustainer?

What do you ❤️ about KLRU? Is it the balanced news coverage? The safe, educational content on PBS KIDS? Maybe you just really love Victoria on Masterpiece? Consider the value of public television in your life, and become a Sustaining Member this Valentine’s Day!

Your gift ensures the KLRU programming you rely on stays on the air. Choose whatever amount works for you.

Did you know your dollars have the most impact as a monthly gift? The reliable revenue stream from an ongoing donation allows KLRU to plan into the future for big projects and programming initiatives. Plus your membership is always current, saving KLRU from costly renewal fees.

The partnership you enter into as a KLRU Sustaining member supports the vast array of content we broadcast and so much more! Local screenings, educational workshops for low-income families and community-wide forums are all made possible because of YOU.

Thank you for sharing the love today!

P.S. There are Sustaining Member Perks!
• ALL KLRU Sustaining Members are granted anytime access to KLRU Passport, filled with a library of past and current series to enjoy on your computer, smartphone or tablet.
• ALL KLRU Sustaining Members get early access to every Overheard with Evan Smith taping in Studio 6A with an RSVP!

There are just 10 days left to get your Special Valentines tickets to Daniel Tiger!

❤️ Don’t miss Daniel Tiger and all his neighborhood friends live! This engaging musical delights little kids and grown-ups alike with its vibrant production and important lessons about being a good friend. Give your family a Valentine’s present to remember with this exclusive offer from KLRU! ❤️

Donate $200 and we’ll thank you with a family 4-pack of tickets to this magical adventure at Bass Concert Hall February 24 at 5:30 p.m.

These are exclusive seats reserved just for KLRU donors and tickets are limited!

And the live tour could not be better timed as 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the show that inspired the creation of Daniel Tiger in the first place: Mr Roger’s Neighborhood.

Surprise your family with make-believe and grr-ific fun this Valentine’s Day! ❤️ Click on the orange donate button to give today and celebrate with us on February 24! Donate by February 21—tickets must be picked up at the KLRU offices.

7:30 pm On Story – Creating Classic Characters
Academy Award-winning director Sydney Pollack (OUT OF AFRICA, TOOTSIE, THE WAY WE WERE) and NYPD Blue and Deadwood creator David Milch discuss the inspiration behind creating classic film and television characters. Followed by the suspenseful short film THE LAB by writer/director Ryan Scheer, about two young boys whose summer afternoon in the woods goes horribly awry.

9:45 pm Hollywood Idols – Ingrid Bergman Remembered
Ingrid Bergman possessed a natural and vulnerable persona, which was both genuine and alluring. Her cinematic contributions included such movie classics as Casablanca and Anastasia. Bergman’s life took many sharp turns and led her in directions she never expected. Appearing together for the first time, Ingrid’s daughters Pia Lindstrom and Isabella Rossellini take a personal look back at their mother’s life beyond Bergman’s acting career. They tell the story of her life, from her childhood in Sweden to her death at age 67 from breast cancer.

CPB Awards $191,790 to KLRU-TV, Austin PBS for American Graduate: Getting to Work Initiative

Public Media Initiative to Advance Education and Career Readiness

(Austin, TX – February 13, 2018)—The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced a grant of $191,790 to KLRU for the American Graduate: Getting to Work initiative to help advance education and career readiness locally. The station will work with partners in Central Texas to assess workforce challenges and opportunities, and produce content focused on the essential skills needed for students and workers to succeed in the job markets of today and tomorrow.

“KLRU is pleased to receive funding to help raise awareness around workforce issues.” said KLRU CEO Bill Stotesbery. “The area’s workforce issues are critical as presented in the recent Austin Metro Area Master Community Workforce Plan. Austin’s booming economy presents many opportunities and challenges. KLRU can help advance the Plan by amplifying the work of the organizations currently in this space and by raising the visibility of Austin’s existing resources and strategic initiatives available to jobseekers.”

The new grant represents the next phase of public media’s successful American Graduate initiative, which was launched in 2011 to address the nation’s dropout rate. During the past six years, public media stations across the country forged community connections and innovative partnerships to help improve student outcomes – substantially contributing to an increase in the national high school graduation rate to an all-time high of 84 percent.

“The American Graduate initiative attracted local business and community leader support and engagement by focusing on keeping young people on the path to success in school and life,” said Pat Harrison, CPB President and CEO. “All Americans want our young people to be prepared to fill jobs that currently are unfilled because of a skills gap.”

KLRU is one of 19 stations receiving an American Graduate grant as part of the national effort.

Local partners include Austin Community College, the Office of the Mayor of the City of Austin, The University of Texas at Austin: Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources, Travis County Judge’s Office and Workforce Solutions Capital Area.

“The Austin Metro Area Master Community Workforce Plan is a remarkable coming-together of 40 agencies, institutions, and enterprises seeking to offer our neighbors pathways to jobs that currently exist, pay livable wages, and that can help us keep our community affordable for working families,” said Mayor Steve Adler. “The Plan establishes the bold goal of helping at least 10,000 people in our community to escape poverty by preparing them for middle-skill jobs over the next five years. The potential for KLRU to serve as a media outlet for these opportunities is absolutely critical to achieving our community’s goals. We know KLRU is trusted, we know it’s already a part of many families’ homes, and this new use for their media gives us great hope that we will be successful.”

Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt said, “The CPB’s grant to KLRU for the American Graduate initiative will be a key element in helping Travis County and the City of Austin implement the Workforce Master Plan. I’m confident that KLRU-produced content focused on our workforce-readiness will help amplify key messages of jobs aligned with skills, helping Travis County residents climb ladders of opportunity. KLRU is a vital non-profit institution in Central Texas, producing and distributing content that enriches and empowers. We look forward to our ongoing partnership with KLRU and helping our workforce succeed.”

District 2 Council Member. Council Member Delia Garza said, “The City of Austin is rich in people, and culture, and community. We have some of the best, brightest, and hardest working young people right here in our city. But, we also have an increasing affordability problem pushing our families out of the city and preventing them from reaching their full potential. Efforts like the American Graduate: Getting to Work initiative can help address our affordability crisis by giving families and young people the tools they need to stay rooted and thrive in our community.”

Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo – District 9 said, “I applaud KLRU’s continued commitment to promoting education and career readiness. The American Graduate initiative will help amplify our community’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Austinites of different backgrounds and skill levels all have the ability to experience prosperity and economic opportunity.”

About American Graduate

American Graduate is public media’s long-term commitment to supporting community-based solutions to help young people succeed in school, career and life. Supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), more than 125 public television and radio stations have joined forces with over 1,700 partners to elevate the stories of youth and the supportive adults that help them succeed. Through American Graduate, public media, with its unique position as a trusted resource and important partner in local communities, provides a critical platform to shine a light on pathways to graduation and successful student outcomes. National and local reporting, on air and online is helping communities understand the challenges and community-driven solutions associated with education and future successes. Public forums, town halls and community conversations are activating discussions between community leaders, educators and more.

About CPB

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of nearly 1,500 locally owned and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television, and related online services. For more information, visit http://www.cpb.org, follow on Twitter @CPBmedia, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe for email updates.

About KLRU

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is dedicated to telling stories that entertain, inspire and change our lives. KLRU highlights what makes Austin unique – whether music, arts or public issues – by creating and distributing award-winning original content. KLRU produces several series including Austin City Limits, Arts In Context, Central Texas Gardener, Decibel and Overheard with Evan Smith. As a nonprofit educational organization, KLRU also prepares children to succeed in school and creates lifelong learning opportunities for all. Find out more at KLRU.org

Join archaeologists and divers recovering remains of ships and planes lost during World War II’s epic Dunkirk operation on Nova at 8 pm Wednesday.

Can six sand islands, poking out of the Persian Gulf near Dubai, be transformed into the most luxurious holiday destination on earth? Find out on Impossible Builds Europe In The Desert at 9 pm Wednesday.

Akron’s Dan Auerbach puts the Black Keys on hold to showcase his second solo album Waiting on a Song on Austin City Limits at 10 pm Wednesday. Fronted by Kevin Russell of the Gourds, Austin’s Shinyribs whips up Texas country soul from its new LP I Got Your Medicine.

New series! SciTech Now captures the latest breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation. The show airs Thursdays at 7:30 pm.

In the current moment, when sexual harassment is at the forefront of the national conversation, Metoo, Now What? at 7:30 pm Friday aims to take the discussion to another level, engaging both women and men from all generations and walks of life in dialogue about these difficult issues.

Journey through the prolific life of the I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings author and activist who inspired generations with lyrical modern African-American thought on Maya Angelou: American Masters at 8 pm Friday.

Find out what to ask when installing rain collection and tour a yard updated with layers of depth on Central Texas Gardenerat noon Saturday.

Enjoy an hour of contemporary country music with Chris Stapleton followed by Turnpike Troubadours on Austin City Limits at 7 pm Saturday.

Please join KLRU for this year’s tapings of Lone Star Emmy nominated BlackademicsTelevision on Thursday, February 15 and Friday, February 16 in KLRU’s legendary Studio 6A! We feature presenters from a wide range of academic, entrepreneurial and creative backgrounds.

Doors open both nights at 6:30 p.m. in KLRU’s Studio 6A (map).
RSVP at the links below. Entrance is based upon capacity.

Blackademics Television is back for its sixth season of top Black Studies scholars, activists and community leaders sharing projects and research focused on education, performance and youth empowerment. Please join us and be part of the studio audience for these tapings. And don’t forget, you can watch past episodes anytime online!

Blackademics Television is a presentation of The Institute for Community, University & School Partnerships (ICUSP) in combination with KLRU-TV, Austin PBS.